Life Issues Forum: 2015 Respect Life Month Statement: Every Life is Worth Living
Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap.,
Chairman USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities
My dear friends in Christ:
One of the deepest desires of the human heart is to discover our identity. So often, as a society and as individuals, we identify ourselves by what we do. We base our worth on how productive we are at work or at home, and we determine our lives to be more or less good depending on the degree of independence or pleasure. We may even begin to believe that if our lives, or those of others, don't "measure up" to a certain standard, they are somehow less valuable or less worth living.
Respect Life Month is a fitting time to reflect on the truth of who we are.
Our worth is based not on our skills or levels of productivity. Rather, we discover our worth when we discover our true identity found in the unchangeable, permanent fact that we are created in God's image and likeness and called to an eternal destiny with him.
Because of this, absolutely nothing can diminish our God-given dignity, and therefore, nothing can diminish the immeasurable worth of our lives. Others may fail to respect that dignity-may even try to undermine it-but in doing so, they only distance themselves from God's loving embrace. Human dignity is forever.
Whether it lasts for a brief moment or for a hundred years, each of our lives is a good and perfect gift. At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God's love.
An elderly man whose health is quickly deteriorating; an unborn baby girl whose diagnosis indicates she may not live long; a little boy with Down syndrome; a mother facing terminal cancer-each may have great difficulties and need our assistance, but each of their lives is worth living.
When we encounter the suffering of another, let us reach out and embrace them in love, allowing God to work through us. This might mean slowing down and taking the time to listen. It might mean providing respite care or preparing meals for a family facing serious illness. It might mean simply being present and available. And of course, it always means prayer--bringing their needs before the Father and asking him to work in their lives.
Experiencing suffering-or watching another suffer-is one of the hardest human experiences. Fear of the unknown can lead us into the temptation of taking control in ways that offend our dignity and disregard the reverence due to each person.
But we are not alone. Christ experienced suffering more deeply than we can comprehend, and our own suffering can be meaningful when we unite it with his. Especially in the midst of trials, we are invited to hold fast to the hope of the Resurrection. God is with us every step of the way, giving us the grace we need.
In times of suffering, let us have the courage to accept help that others genuinely want to give, and give the help that others need. We were made to love and be loved; we are meant to depend on one another, serving each other in humility and walking together in times of suffering. Our relationships are meant to help us grow in perfect love.
Let us learn to let go of our own standards of perfection and instead learn more deeply how to live according to God's standards. He does not call us to perfect efficiency or material success; he calls us to self-sacrificial love. He invites us to embrace each life for as long as it is given-our own lives and the lives of those he has placed in our paths. Every life is worth living.
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14th Annual Youth Respect Life Contest
Respect Life Program theme
"Every Life is Worth Living"
The contest begins September 7th 2015 and all entries must be attached to the registration form, postmarked by December 15, 2015.
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Every Life Is Worth Living: 10 Ways To Support Her When She's Unexpectedly Expecting
Respect Life Program 2015 Articles
An unexpected pregnancy might be confusing along the way, but life-though at times difficult-is ultimately beautiful. Perhaps one of your friends has become pregnant unexpectedly. As someone who has been there, I encourage you to support your friend in her new journey of being a mother. Not sure how to help or what to say? Here are ten tips:
1. Be available. An unexpected pregnancy can send a woman into crisis mode. If your friend just found out she is pregnant, she may not be thinking clearly, and she may feel she has no control over anything at the moment. Be aware of how she is responding to you. Listen to her and let her know you love her and are there for her any time she needs you. Don't pass judgment on her either interiorly or through words or body language.
2. Respond positively. When a woman experiencing challenging circumstances confides she is pregnant, the reaction of the first person she tells tends to set the tone for her decision-making. Avoid responding with shock or alarm, and be calm and understanding. Let her know you're there for her and that it's going to be okay. Pay close attention to her emotional state, and act accordingly. Depending on where she is emotionally, it may or may not be helpful to congratulate her at that time. However, it is always important to affirm that every person's life-including her child's and her own-is precious and beautiful no matter the circumstances.
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POPE FRANCIS PAPAL VISIT
We were all blessed by the presence of Pope Francis in the U.S. according to the Pope
"Aboard the papal Flight from Philadelphia (CNS) -- As the American Airlines plane taking him to Rome from Philadelphia took off, Pope Francis said he pictured the faces of all the people he met, and he prayed for them. At the end of his first-ever visit to the United States, the pope told reporters he "was surprised by the warmth of the people" and how they were "so loving. It was beautiful."-Catholic News Service Read more
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I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion... do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope...the Father of mercies is ready to give you His forgiveness and His peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation."
(Evangelium Vitae no. 99, John Paul II)
Project Rachel Hope After Abortion website or call the Respect Life Office's confidential hotline: 1-888-456-HOPE (se habla espanol) to begin healing after abortion loss.
Prayer for the Ministry of Project Rachel
Father, source of healing and forgiveness, we pray for all parents overwhelmed by grief and sorrow at the loss of their son or daughter to abortion:
You never abandon those who hope in you; so we pray that the hearts of those wounded by their abortion might be open to your Divine Mercy that they would know the grace of repentance and so experience the embrace of the Father.
We pray that Jesus, the Good Shepherd,
so rich in love and compassion, may hear the cry and see the tears of each of these mothers and fathers so He may heal their broken hearts and restore them to life.
Give these grieving mothers and fathers the consolation of believing and trusting that her child is now living in the Lord that this may soothe the terror of their soul.
We pray that the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of all tenderness and our Mother,
may strengthen their faith in You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
who conquered sin and death,
and who lives with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Bulletin InsertProject Rachel Prayer - Printable Prayer 8.5 x 11. Printable Prayer CardA Prayer To Our Lady Of Guadalupe (En Español)Post Abortion book-list resourceRespect Life Blog: My Thoughts Project Rachel (Español)
Book Resources
- Generation Roe: Inside the Future of the Pro-Choice Movement, by Sarah Erdreich
- Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights, by Katha Pollitt
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| Post-Abortion Retreats
Prayer and Healing Retreats, help those suffering the effects of abortion. We offer a safe place, a way out of the pain, in a non-judgmental atmosphere. All retreats are led by the Sisters of Life and women who have experienced both the suffering of abortion and the joy of healing in Christ. For more information visit our website
Entering Canaan
DAYS OF PRAYER & HEALING
for women
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Saturday, December 12, 2015 (Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Long Island)
Saturday, January '16, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Saturday, February 27, 2016 (in Spanish / Español)
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Saturday, June 25, 2016
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For more information or to register contact
Sisters of Life 866.575.0075 (toll free) or
Theresa Bonopartis 877.586.4621 (toll free)
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Entering Canaan
DAY OF PRAYER & HEALING
for Men
October 17, 2015
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For more information or to register contact
Lumina 877.586.4621 (toll free)
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A memo from National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, Inc NCHLA
Dear Pro Life Friends, Ask Congress to fix the limitations in federal law that threaten our religious liberty. Current federal law only partially protects conscience rights in health care. The Health Care Conscience Rights Act, (S. 1919/H. R. 940) will correct existing deficiencies. Tell Congress that government must not force Americans to violate their religious and moral beliefs about respect for life when they provide health services or provide or purchase health coverage. With these modifications to current law, the promise of the Founders, that Americans would not be forced by their government to violate their deepest convictions of conscience, will at last be fulfilled in the modern health care system. Please take action now to urge your Senator to co-sponsor and support the Health Care Conscience Rights Act, (S.1919) introduced in August by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) with 14 co-sponsors. At the same time, the House should be urged to support the identical House bill, (H.R. 940) and enact its policy into must-pass legislation. Please click here to take action! Thank you for taking time today to speak out in defense of life and liberty. Together we will be heard!
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Respect Life Office Events
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Back to Basics Respect Life Ministry Training
September's Back to Basics Training has began, however by special request the Respect Life Office will be providing an additional Back to Basics training for Respect Life month.
Fall 2015 - Level I - Starts October 1, 2015
- Level II - Starts October 1, 2015
Winter 2015
- Level II - Starts November 1, 2015
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The Culture project is Coming to the Diocese
Presentations are given to youth on human dignity and sexual integrity.
October 25 - 31, 2015
Religious Education Programs, High Schools, Youth Ministry, College Campuses, Parish Communities, Ministries and Catholic Schools.
The Culture Project International is an initiative of young people set out to restore culture through the experience of virtue. Members of the team enter into a program where they live, pray in community, receive formation and are sent out on missions nationally and internationally. Presentations are given to youth on human dignity and sexual integrity.
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Pro-Life Perspective Human Trafficking
Slavery and similar forms of exploitation are mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments. In one instance, Jesus, through his ultimate self-sacrifice, delivers the faithful from figurative slavery and bondage. In the present day, slavery is not simply a metaphor. The enslavement and exploitation of men, women, and children is very real. The United Nations (UN) defines the crime in the Palermo Protocol, and most countries have adopted national laws that align with this definition. Read More |
 USCCB Comments On Medicare's Proposed Rule On Advance Care Planning
WASHINGTON-The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) submitted comments on September 4 to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The comments relate to a Proposed Rule to incorporate end-of-life decision making or "Advance Care Planning" into the Medicare program. The comments filed today by Anthony Picarello, USCCB general counsel, and Michael Moses, associate general counsel, note that while the Catholic Church does not object to encouraging patients to consider future treatment decisions in case they may become unable to communicate their wishes, "the current open-ended proposal has several deficiencies that merit attention before a final rule is considered." Read More |
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Respect Life Sunday
Sunday October 4th - 2:00 to 3:30 pm
All Are Welcome
The USCCB designated the first Sunday in October as RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY.
For the faithful it is a date to take part, in some way, with the Respect Life Cause.
Please join us at the STAND UP FOR LIFE rally from 2:00 pm to 3:30pm
Rte 110 & 25 Walt Whitman Rd Huntington or County Road 111 Manorville, LIE exit 70S
For more information call
Huntington - Ann at (631) 754- 9141
Manorville -Peter (631) 289-2095
DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE ANNOUNCES
FIRST DIOCESAN FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 10, 2015
from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
A free Catholic family festival to promote a
culture of vocations across Long Island.
Inspiring talks for all ages, Eucharistic Adoration,
games and crafts and Mass.
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for
of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14
The Annual Mass for Deceased Children will be on Saturday, October 17th at 12:30 p.m.
at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. Refreshments following Mass in the Parish Centre.
All are welcome. Come early to inscribe your child's name in the "Book of Families."
WALK TO PREVENT SUICIDE
Long Island Walk
When: Sunday, October 25, 2015
Where: Jones Beach State Park
Resouces
HELP STOP ASSISTED SUICIDE
A training conference for Catholics
Saturday, November 7, 2015,
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
St. Pius X Church Parish Hall,
23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville, NY 12211
COST: $10 per person covers materials and lunch
Learn the best medical, legal and ethical arguments against the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. Be inspired by a young father battling cancer. Be enlightened by those who care for the aged and infirm. Arm yourself with the facts about dangerous legislation.
Questions?
26th NATIONAL NIGHT OF PRAYER FOR LIFE COME PRAY WITH US!!!!!
Join in Prayer across America to seek
The LORD'S MERCY and restore
LIFE, LIBERTY, THE FAITH & PEACE!!!
DECEMBER 8/9, 2015
9PM Tuesday to 1 AM Wednesday
NATIONAL HOUR OF UNITY IS 12AM TO 1 AM (EST)
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 Spiritual Adoption Program
The Purpose of the Spiritual Adoption Program is threefold: - Encourage parishes, schools and other communities to pray for babies in danger of abortion.
- Educate adults and children about the development of the pre-born child.
- Provide mothers in need with assistance at a 'baby shower' of donated baby gifts, or simply celebrate with a 'birthday party' at the conclusion of the program. In some schools a crib was bought with monetary gifts and the children filled a crib with gifts for expectant Mothers.
This is done by encouraging people to "spiritually adopt" an unborn baby, and to follow their baby along the path to being born. read more |
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RESPECT LIFE OFFICE
50 North Park Ave.
F: (516) 536-3473
Rockville Ctr., NY 11570
P: (516) 678-5800
Exts.626 & 381
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CONNECT WITH US
Just another way for you get more information on Respect Life issues.
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October
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Fall Respect Life Training Back to Basics Level I and II
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Respect Life Sunday
Jesus teaches on marriage, the human relationship of mutually self-giving love that reflects God's love for humanity. He also calls us to be like little children, that we might enter the kingdom of God. Mark 10:2-16
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Bulletin Inserts - For Parish Respect Life
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Please add these to your bulletin announcements.
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Coffee and Conversation
"Coffee and Conversation" is a model for individual reflection or small group discussion where participants can explore the various topics presented in this year's Respect Life Program.
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Suggested Fall Reading
From The Respect Life Office
With the beginning of Respect Life Month and the change from summer to fall, enjoy the relaxing weather and the changing of the leaves with a good book.
Check out our recommended list for great summer reading.
View List
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Word of Life Palabra de Vida
English Español
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DEUS CARITAS EST ... GOD IS LOVE
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THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED MISSION TO SERVE LIFE!
Allison O'Brien, Director
S. Elizabeth A. Geraghty, CSJ Project Rachel Ministry Coordinator
Diana Tellis, Ministry/Dept. Assistant
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Ashley Foster, Media Specialist
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OUR OFFICE
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